Thousands of Students Turned Away from the Nation's Nursing Schools Despite Sharp Increase in Enrollment: 2003 Nursing School Enrollment Increase Larger Than Preliminary Estimate

Nevada RNformation, Feb 2004

According to the results of the annual survey released today by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), enrollments in entry-level baccalaureate programs in nursing increased by 16.6% in fall 2003 over last year. This enrollment increase is even greater than AACN's preliminary estimate (15.9% increase) released on December 1, 2003. Despite this significant gain, more than 11,000 qualified students were turned away from baccalaureate nursing programs due to limited numbers of faculty, clinical sites, and classroom space. Without increased federal support, the potential for future growth in nursing education programs may be limited at a time when the demand for well-educated nurses is rising.

AACN's findings are based on responses from a total of 564 (82.7%) of the nation's nursing schools with baccalaureate- and graduate-degree programs that were surveyed in fall 2003. The survey found that total enrollment in all nursing programs leading to the baccalaureate degree was 126,954, up from 116,099 in 2002. This year marks the third year of enrollment increases in baccalaureate programs, which had declined steadily from 1995 to 2000. During that six-year period, enrollments in baccalaureate programs dropped by almost 19% from 127,683 to 103,999 students.

AACN determines enrollment trends by comparing data from the same schools reporting in both 2002 and 2003. Data show that nursing school enrollments are up in all regions of the United States with the greatest increase found in the North Atlantic states where enrollments in entry-level baccalaureate programs rose by 22.1%. Increases were also realized in the South, Midwest, and West where enrollments rose by 16.7%, 15.9%, and 8.6%, respectively.

"AACN applauds the vigorous efforts of nursing schools nationwide to expand student capacity in light of the nursing shortage," said Kathleen Ann Long, PhD, APRN, FAAN, president of AACN. "The significant increase in enrollments this year represents an important step toward meeting the health care system's growing need for nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and higher degree levels."

Interest Runs High in Accelerated Programs

For the first time, AACN's annual survey captured data related to accelerated nursing programs, which are designed to transition adults with baccalaureate and graduate degrees in other fields into nursing. Accelerated baccalaureate programs, which may be completed in 12-18 months, provide the fastest route to licensure as a registered nurse for individuals with a prior degree. These intense programs have high admission standards, require continuous study without session breaks, and incorporate the same number of clinical hours as traditional programs.

Last year, 24 new accelerated baccalaureate programs were launched, bringing the total number of programs offered nationwide to 129. This total represents a 22.9% increase since fall 2002 when 105 such programs existed. AACN's latest survey found that 4,794 students were enrolled in accelerated baccalaureate programs while another 1,352 students graduated from these programs as entry-level clinicians last year.

"Accelerated programs provide the best option for career changers and professionals with at least a four-year degree looking to enter the nursing profession," said AACN Executive Director Geraldine Bednash, PhD, RN, FAAN. "Graduates of second-degree programs are in high demand by nurse employers since they bring many layers of education and experience to the table that enrich their clinical practice. To better address the needs of the nursing workforce and enhance RN supply, more federal funding should be directed toward accelerated nursing programs to provide student scholarships and facilitate program growth."

Raising the Level of Nursing Education

Given the calls for a better educated nurse workforce, AACN was pleased to see an increase in the number of registered nurses (RN) pursuing baccalaureate level education. RN-to-Baccalaureate programs are specifically designed to enable nurses prepared with a diploma or associate's degree to earn a baccalaureate degree and enhance their clinical skills. From 2002 to 2003, enrollments in RN-to-Baccalaureate programs increased by .8.1% or 2,215 students, which makes this enrollment increase the first in six years.

"New research from Dr. Linda Aiken at the University of Pennsylvania confirms that baccalaureate nursing education has a direct impact on patient outcomes and saving lives," said Dr. Bednash. "AACN encourages nurses prepared in diploma and associate degree programs to advance their education in the interest of patient safety and as a mechanism for career advancement." According to AACN data, there are currently 624 RN-to-Baccalaureate and 137 RN-to-Master's Degree programs offered at nursing schools nationwide.

Graduate Enrollments and Nurse Faculty Shortage

The AACN survey also found that though enrollments were up in both master's and doctoral degree nursing programs, the number of graduates from these programs is still declining. Enrollments in master's degree programs rose 10.2% (3,350 students) with a total student population of 37,251. In doctoral programs, enrollments increased by 5.6% (171 students) bringing the total student population to 3,229. Though enrollments increased, the number of graduates from master's and doctoral programs declined by 2.5% and 9.9%, respectively.